A/N-This is the part of the story where I must place a big YELLOW caution flag. I have recently learned what ELF means in this fandom...I would label the next bit of the story as ELF. Things are about to get a little bit rocky for Lucas so hang onto your hat.
Thanks for reading along.
Special thanks to Darkaccalia and JuJuone23!
Nathan stood on the bridge having reassumed command. All senior crew had volunteered to resume their duties, and Nathan was grateful for their dedication. Each person on the bridge was worried and felt a great loss with Lucas gone. Lucas was more than just a member of the crew; he was family.
"Feed spatial coordinates for Abalon into navigation. Prepare for incoming change of course and speed," commanded Nathan.
"Course and speed adjusted, sir," replied Katie.
"Bring her around to zero nine zero, all ahead full."
"Abalon, bearing zero nine zero, two hundred kilometres, all ahead full," responded Katie.
"Give me eyes, Mr. Ortiz," stated Nathan, glancing at the screen.
"Aye, sir."
Nathan became lost in his thoughts as he stared at the screen. It was going to take awhile to reach the outlying area and still more time to navigate the treacherous terrain. In the meantime, he had to bide his time wisely, planning how to rescue Lucas.
"Captain Bridger," came a soft voice.
Nathan turned to see Mika timidly enter the bridge. Her face was pale, and he could see she was trembling in fear. "It's ok, Mika. What is it?"
The girl walked closer to him, her blue eyes shimmering with tears. "You must take me home. My father will give Lucas back unharmed; I promise you. Kaman was just frightened," insisted Mika, reaching out to put a cold hand in his.
"We have set a course for Abalon, Mika. However, you will remain onboard this time."
Mika shook her head adamantly. "Please, Captain, you must let me return home. Father will listen to me."
"Mika, sneaking aboard my boat and kidnapping one of my crew is against UEO sanctions. Kaman will need to make amends for that," replied Nathan.
Tears escaped Mika's eyes. "Nothing you could do would ever be any worse than I am sure he has already received," mumbled Mika, sadly. Nathan frowned at her words. The young woman stood blinking back tears and wiping them from her cheeks. Her words left Nathan feeling very unsettled.
In that moment, Kristin entered the bridge. "Mika, dear, you left so quickly. Are you alright?"
Mika shook her head. "Captain Bridger refuses to take me home. He must! It is my choice to return home. You told me that it was my choice. Why did you lie?" Mika's eyes flashed anger this time.
Kristin placed a hand on the girl's shoulder in comfort. "Nathan, the blood work confirms our speculations," replied Kristin, casting him a meaningful look.
Nathan's eyes widened as he digested the information. Not only was Mika a survivor of violent abuse, she was also confirmed to be a victim of kidnapping. And now, if his calculations served him well, she was a minor of 16 years of age. Kristin's look of concern validated his thoughts. Mika needed to be protected as much as Lucas needed rescuing. The situation had just become much more complicated.
Mika reached out and touched Nathan's hand. "Please, Captain Bridger. My father will listen to me. You must let me return home." The girl's cold hands trembled.
"I'm sorry. Mika, but I can't do that."
Kristin patted the girls arm gently. "Mika, there is much you don't understand. We need to have a talk, sweetheart."
Mika shook her head, fire in her eyes. "If you do not let me go, I will leave on my own. You cannot hold me hostage."
Nathan sighed. He could see that same stubborn fire in her eyes that Lucas often had. It was obvious that she would rebel if they didn't take time to explain things to her clearly. He turned on his heel and faced Katie. "You have the bridge, Commander. I will be in the Wardroom. "
Katie nodded.
Nathan turned to Kristin. "Shall we?"
Kristin nodded and took Mika's hand gently. "Come with me, Mika. The captain and I would like to share a little story with you, alright?" Mika hesitated, a stubborn, adamant look on her face. "Please trust me, Mika," pleaded Kristin.
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Lucas stared at himself in the mirror, grimacing at his upper lip. It was swollen and bruised, and it ached. He had very little memory of the events that had led him to Abalon. He remembered trying to stop Kaman from attacking Mika. The older youth was strong, and Lucas wasn't exactly used to fighting with intruders in the moonpool. He wasn't exactly used to fighting with anyone. He had attacked Kaman from behind to free Mika and then wham, everything went black. His next memory was waking up on the sofa and hearing Wise and Kaman arguing. Lucas scoffed at his own thoughts. Wise wasn't arguing with Kaman. He wasn't even discussing anything. The man was a monster. Lucas shuddered as he remembered how the older man had beaten Kaman without so much as a hint of remorse. And minutes ago, the man was at it again with his other son. Lucas had quickly excused himself to the washroom. He hadn't wished to see another horrible scene play out before his eyes. What was with this man? He didn't even bother to listen. He simply reacted.
Lucas leaned against the door and strained to hear. He could still hear quiet voices. He cracked the door and peered out. The washroom was beside the little sitting office area where he had woken up. He surveyed the room carefully, looking for a way to escape. It was difficult to speculate as he hadn't been conscious when Kaman brought him to Abalon. He had no clue even where he was or how Kaman got him here. Lucas slipped out of the washroom and quietly walked into the main room, staring in fascination. The room was, for all intents and purposes, a laboratory of some kind. Computers and lab equipment lined the perimeter of the room in meticulous organization. There were different animals in solutions, suspended in different stages of development, all with some form of gills grafted on them. Lucas felt the scientist in him gawk in curiosity, but another part of him was disgusted. Experimentation on animals was barbaric. A scuffle behind him caused him to turn in alarm. He spun on his heel to see Wise grab Shapra and force him to the ground. Lucas gasped as the man again reached for his belt. Lucas closed his eyes as the belt came down on the trembling teenager. Lucas felt frightened, but at the same time, he was angry and confused. Why would a father treat his sons in such a fashion? Lucas knew he had made his own share of mistakes, but his father never laid a hand on him. Oh, Lucas knew his father had threatened it on occasion, but the man was always too consumed with his work to follow through on much of anything including discipline. He cringed as he heard the belt connect again and again. Not being able to bear it any longer and without stopping to think it through, Lucas rushed across the room and stepped in front of Shapra.
"Stop it!" cried Lucas, glaring at the man and holding his hands up in front of him in self-defence. He felt his heart in his throat as he stared at the Wise, who dropped his hand to his side. He watched as Wise straightened his hair with his hand, composing himself. The man glowered at Lucas and clenched his jaw. Lucas could see Shapra sobbing behind him and attempting to gain his own composure.
"It would do you well not to interfere, Lucas. I am teaching my son obedience and discipline. There are consequences when you fail to obey those in authority," commented Wise, with a severe tone in his voice.
Lucas shivered in spite of himself. "I've been on a military vessel long enough to know discipline, Wise. What you're doing isn't discipline, it's freaking abuse! In case you didn't know, corporal punishment was outlawed before I was even born."
Wise returned his belt to his waist. "Rise Shapra, and go finish your chores." Lucas stepped to the side and watched as Shapra stood up, nodded towards his father and silently left the room. Wise held out his hand and ushered Lucas to sit down. Lucas squint an eye at him but sat down.
"I don't expect you to understand, Lucas. My sons are being raised to be leaders. One day they will be ready to show the rest of you how to take care of this world. SeaQuest is merely placing band aids on a festering, infected planet. Mark my words; it will come to a head, and my sons will be ready," replied Wise, pouring himself a drink.
Lucas chewed the inside of his cheek. "All you're creating is puppets," retorted Lucas, lifting his chin tenaciously. He didn't exactly feel threatened, but he did feel a sense of uncertainty. "Captain Bridger will come for me, Wise. Let me go, now." Lucas' voice held an air of admonition.
Wise took a long drink, pulling the glass away and smiling menacingly at Lucas. "I can see you are used to having control. You have not been taught your place." Wise set his glass on his desk with a loud thud. Lucas watched as Wise fingered the belt on his waist, and he felt his mouth go dry as he glared at the older man. "In my day, son, a child knew his place. Children knew they were to be seen and not heard. They were to remain silent unless spoken to."
"Kids aren't chattel, Wise," retorted Lucas, quietly.
Wise laughed. "Oh, Lucas, you are so naive. You have so much to learn about life."
Lucas watched the older man stride across the room and stand directly in front of him. His large, toned body towered over Lucas, making him feel uncomfortable.
"This experience shall be rather extraordinary. One day you will look back and thank me for teaching you. I see great potential in you to be a brilliant leader, Lucas. Captain Bridger is doing you a grave disservice. He has within his power the opportunity to instruct you in obedience and leadership, yet he does not. It is such a shame." Lucas felt himself jump when Wise clapped his hands together suddenly. His eyes opened wide as the man fingered his belt thoughtfully. "Alright then, let's begin. Rise, Lucas and follow me." Wise strode to the middle of the room and turned to Lucas, expectantly. Lucas thought the man looked almost gleeful.
Lucas remained frozen. "Begin what? W-where are we going?"
Wise smiled ominously. "I am going to show you how life works on Abalon, my boy. I believe you will find it to be very fascinating, indeed."
oOoOoOoOseaquestOoOoOoOo
Kristin pulled up a picture on the screen of a gentle looking woman with kind eyes and bright smile. The woman's hair lay straight and dark on her shoulders. Kristin couldn't mistake the look of recognition on Mika's face as she stared in fascination at the screen.
"But how?" asked Mika, her voice unsteady. "How did you get a picture of the woman in my dream?" Mika looked at Kristin, confusion written all over her face.
"The woman's name is Rebekah Andersen," began Kristin. She looked at Nathan who remained quietly listening as he sat on the edge of the table of the Wardroom.
"She's real?" gasped Mika, surprise in her voice.
Kristin smiled. "Very much so." Mika continued to stare at the picture in disbelief. "Mika, I'm going to share a story with you. Ok?" She saw Mika nod her head but remain fixated on the photograph. "Ok, well, one day a little girl was at the mall with her mother." Kristin changed the picture to the six year old picture of McKenna. Mika turned to look at Kristin with big eyes. "According to the story, a man captured the little girl and took her away from her mother." Again Kristin showed the picture of Rebekah. "No one saw the little girl again, and her mother thought her daughter had been killed." Kristin saw tears shimmering in Mika's eyes.
Mika bit her lip. "I don't understand, Dr. Westphalen. That is the woman I see in my dreams." Kristin nodded. She felt her heart breaking for the young women.
Nathan stood up, walking over to the screen. "Do you see any resemblance, Mika?" urged Nathan, pointing at the woman. "Does she remind you of anyone you know?"
Mika stared at the screen again, chewing on her thumb nail. "I do not know." Kristin could tell Mika was struggling in her inner most being.
"Mika, when you came here, we did some tests, remember? It's just standard procedure on SeaQuest to make sure you are healthy and not carrying any diseases that might jeopardize the health and safety of the crew. I had some concerns so I did a few more tests, and I discovered something about you." Kristin switched the picture to the six year old child. She picked up a pencil and pointed it at the child's forehead. "What do you see right there?"
"It looks like a scar or something," replied Mika who squint an eye at the photograph. She watched as Mika put a hand to her own head where her scar was.
"M-my father told me I cut my head on some glass," stuttered Mika. "I- I have no recollection." Mika looked at the screen once more.
"You may have, Mika. I don't know." Kristin put a gentle hand on Mika's shoulder. "Mika, I believe this little girl is you. Your blood work matches hers perfectly." Mika blinked briskly as she digested the information. Kristin and Nathan cast each other a concerned look. It was hard to imagine what emotions the young woman was feeling in that moment.
Nathan patted her knee compassionately. "Now do you understand why I cannot allow you to return to Abalon. We need more time to contact the outside authorities and get to the bottom of this, Mika. We need to find out if Franklin Wise is your real father."
Mika's eyes flashed at Nathan. "He is my father, Captain Bridger. I know he is! I must go back to Abalon. My father will know the truth. He has taught me to never lie. He would not lie to you, Captain. Please, you must allow me to go!"
Nathan patted the girl's knee again. "I'm sorry, Mika. I cannot allow that." Tears fell down Mika's cheeks as she continued to stare at the picture of the little girl on the screen. Suddenly Mika's eyes grew large and she rose to her feet.
Kristin reached out to touch her arm. "What's the matter?"
Mika looked spooked. "It's Darwin. He wishes to speak with me."
Nathan knit his brows together as he tapped his PAL. "Mr. Ortiz, do you see any sign of Darwin?"
"Aye, sir. I just let him inside," came the reply.
"Keep the outer doors closed until further notice," replied Nathan.
"Will do, Cap," replied Ortiz and the connection ended.
Mika's eyes pleaded. "May I go speak with Darwin?" Kristin nodded towards Nathan and watched as he jaw tightened as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Go ahead, Mika. I'm sure Darwin will be thrilled to see you."
The girl dropped her shoulders and rushed from the room.
Kristin stared after her and crossed the room to Nathan. She saw a pained look of confusion wash over his face. "I don't understand her either, Nathan."
"All of this perplexes me, Kristin. Abalon, Wise, Mika…all of it. Why would he kidnap a child? What on earth is he doing on Abalon? What does he hope to accomplish?" Kristin stared into the eyes of the child still projected on the wall. "I wish I knew, Nathan." She put a hand to her heart. "Dear God, I hope Lucas is ok," prayed Kristin out loud. She didn't see herself as a person of faith, but right now she was willing to try anything for Lucas' sake.
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.
Lucas followed Wise as he led him through the complex. Abalon appeared to be some kind of underwater colony. Once outside the main room, the complex seemed to go on forever. Wise showed him many more rooms filled with similar experiments in various levels of development. It was easy to see that Wise was obsessed with perfecting his knowledge on unassisted underwater breathing. Lucas stopped as they passed a room with Mika's picture hanging beside it.
Wise glanced at the picture as well. "Mika is my greatest achievement," commented Wise smiling brightly. He reached out and stroked the face in the photograph. "She has proven every one of my hypotheses. She is my miracle." Wise continued walking down the long corridor and Lucas followed. Once they reached the end of hall, Lucas saw a brightly lit, fully equipped laboratory. The door was ajar, and Lucas could see a large animal in a tank. As he crossed the floor to enter the room, Wise grabbed the door handle and firmly shut the door.
"You must never enter that room, Lucas. Kaman must have left the door open. That room is off limits to you while you stay in Abalon. There will be severe consequences should you chose to disobey me." Lucas stared at Wise carefully, gauging what the words meant. It was clear that it was meant as a severe warning which only served to pique Lucas' interest further.
"This way, Lucas. I will show you where you will stay. It is late, and there is much to do."
Lucas followed Wise to the room beside the forbidden laboratory. Wise knocked and opened the door. Inside, Kaman and Shapra rose to their feet and stared silently at Wise. Lucas scanned the room in curiosity. The room had two beds, two side tables and two desks. It reminded Lucas of his residence room at Stanford. There was nothing personal on the walls. There was nothing personal in the room at all.
"Kaman, you left my door open," scolded Wise. The youth dropped his chin but said nothing in reply. "Four hours. Set your alarm. Room 25." Lucas saw the teen nod and set the alarm on the watch he wore on his wrist. "Shapra, six hours. I will need your assistance in the morning. I have shrouded Abalon for tonight. " Lucas saw Shapra nod but keep his eyes averted. "Sleep well, my sons." With those final words, Wise ushered Lucas from the room and shut out the light.
Wise continued to walk down hallway after hallway. Lucas' glanced at his own watch, feeling weary as he reflected on what Wise meant by shrouding the colony. Captain Bridger would still be able to find Abalon wouldn't they? Luca stifled a yawn. It was past midnight, and he was looking forward to getting some sleep so he would be better able to think clearly. Wise finally stopped at a door and opened it. Lucas noticed that the room number was 25. Lucas entered the room after Wise and looked around in confusion. The room was filled with various exercise equipment. It looked similar to the gymnasium on SeaQuest. There were treadmills, exercise bikes, weights, mini trampolines and various weight training machines.
"I don't understand," replied Lucas. "You said you were going to show me where I'm going to stay."
Wise smiled. "This is where you will stay, Lucas, until morning. We have a lot to do. Now then, pay close attention. I would like you to start with one hour on the treadmill."
Lucas blinked his eyes in bewilderment. "I thought you were showing me to my quarters."
"Not yet, Lucas. You see, it is never too late to learn discipline. I have found fatigue to be very useful tool in breaking the spirit. Now then, I would like you to set the treadmill to 5.0 to begin, and we can see how you handle that. You may begin now."
Lucas' jaw dropped as he watched Wise pull up a chair and look expectantly at him. Was the man insane? Did he honestly expect Lucas to start a full blown workout this late at night?
"What if I refuse?" countered Lucas, stifling another yawn.
Wise smiled at him eerily while fingering the belt around his waist. "Are you refusing me, Lucas?"
Lucas swallowed hard as he glared at Wise. "No."
"Very good. Now, begin."